What’s a Whistleblower Hotline?

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Whistleblower hotlines are special audio communication programs that allow people to report illegal activity without requiring callers to reveal their identities. Typically, the hotline takes the form of a dedicated phone number that can be called to report anything from embezzlement, insider trading, or other types of suspected fraud. The idea behind the Whistleblower Hotline is to provide concerned citizens with a means to alert the authorities of suspected economic fraud without putting themselves in danger.

A traditional whistleblower hotline is structured with a telephone number that can be used to attack authorities or even watchdog groups within specific industries when there is a suspicion that some type of fraudulent activity is taking place. There are also examples of companies choosing to set up this type of hotline for internal use, allowing people within the organization to report suspicious behavior without fear of losing their jobs. When a whistleblower tip is received, the information is reviewed, making it possible to determine whether there actually is some type of fraudulent activity. If something illegal is discovered, the information and supporting evidence provided via the whistleblower hotline can be passed on to the relevant law enforcement authority.

In addition to using traditional telephone communications as a basis for contacting an information hotline, there is also the possibility of incorporating the use of email transmissions into the process. People who believe there is reason to suspect some sort of fraud is taking place can create an anonymous email account, then use the account to send an email to the address provided by the hotline outlining the activity suspect. An alternative is a website that allows messages to be typed and forwarded to the email address without requiring the sender to provide any sort of identification. Some hotline facilities even allow snail mail as an option for people who fear being identified due to traces placed on telephone calls or online communications.

While a municipality or company can set up a whistleblower hotline that is run in-house, it is also possible to outsource this function to a third party. In some cases this may be preferable, as individuals using the hotline may perceive the presence of a third party as another layer of protection from being identified. Companies that provide whistleblower hotline services typically offer the option of a toll-free telephone number, an email address, and even websites that are configured not to collect data that could identify the person initiating the contact.

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